SAINT SIVANANDA

SAINT SIVANANDA
By

Sivaprasad

Published by
THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY
P.O. SHIVANANDANAGAR249 192
Distt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttarakhand, Himalayas, India
www.sivanandaonline.org, www.dlshq.org

First Edition January : 1944

Second Edition April : 1944
Third Edition
: 2012

The Divine Life Trust Society

EO22

PRICE

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Published by Swami Padmanabhananda for

The Divine Life Society, Shivanandanagar, and printed by
him at the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy Press,
P.O. Shivanandanagar, Distt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttarakhand,
Himalayas, India
For online orders and Catalogue : visit dlsbooks.org

PREFACE

Ye, travellers in the desert! Come,

yonder is an Oasis!
20-12-1943.

SIVAPRASAD

(5)

CONTENTS
Page No.
Om Namah Sivaya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Holy Order

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18

Tapascharya (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25

Tapascharya (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

32

Ananda Kutir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

37

Writings (l) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

42

Writings (2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

46

Mission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

54

Study of Sivas Palm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

65

(6)

SAINT SIVANANDA

OM NAMAH SIVAYA
Excuse me, I cannot afford to believe you, I said to
my friend.
That is but natural. I am not surprised at your
doubt! came his sharp reply with a proud smile.
We were having a discussion about the various
present-day saints and sages of India. My friend went on
with a lecture, as if inspired, dashing out brilliant
phrases and ideas. He was attributing all those words to
a certain Sannyasin, without mentioning his name. I
thought that such a sage was perhaps living in a
no-mans land. After some time he finished his torrential
speech, jumped out of his chair, went to his book-shelf
and came back with a book.
I had been patiently watching him, with indifferent
mirth. He began to read a passage from it:
To be a cosmic friend and cosmic benefactor, to be a
friend of the poor, forlorn, helpless and the fallen, is the
creed of Siva. To serve the sick persons, to nurse them with
care, sympathy and love, to cheer them up, to infuse power
and joy in all, to feel oneness with each and every creature,
and to treat with equal vision, is the creed of Siva . . . .
p. 32 Life and Sayings
Here followed my deep doubt and my friends sharp
reply.
I snatched the book from my friend. There were
numerous photos of Swami Sivanandaji. Each photo
seemed to ask me, Look at me. Dont you get an
inexpressible joy and tranquility on seeing me? Touch
your heart and say, dont you feel an abstract pleasure by
looking at me? Yes; it was truly so!
(9)

10

SAINT SIVANANDA

I have seen thousands of portraits and photos of

saints of different countries. I was, for a short time, a
hunter after such photos, out of which rarely five per
cent, was able to impress me. But Swamijis photo! To be
frank, I fell in love with it. I wanted to kiss it, I wanted to
dance with it, and my heart heard a heavenly song from
it.
Thus began my acquaintance with Swamiji, which,
some months later, blossomed in my complete surrender
unto his fragrant Ashramfragrant not by the
sweet-smelling flowers or smoky incense; but by the
sweetest odour of love, tolerance and joy. Such is the
intensity of Swamijis love and care for all that, at times,
we are likely to be suffocated. If the smoke of incense
becomes denser, do we not feel so?
No; not so. We do not suffocate. It is not Swamijis
intention. He is always trying to saturate everyone with
all the virtues of his. Who else in this world will do so?
Who else will dedicate himself like that? Swamijis
impersonal ambition is to shape the human beings, if not
all creatures, on the model of Sivanandaji.
One cannot dream of a larger family man than
Swamiji. The ants, the dog, the wretched and the
condemned, the prince, the illiterate person, the literate
arrogant scholar, the despondent householder with
blinking eyes, all are his. No father can be more loving
and affectionate than he. One who lives or moves with
Swamiji will think, this world is worth living; can
anything be better than Ananda Kutir? Why should,
then, people think of Vaikuntas and Swargas, if at all
they exist?
Swamiji is one who cares not for what is called
formality. He does not even allow anyone to prostrate at
his feet. If one does so, he will immediately reciprocate
the prostration. He is able to see God everywhere and in
every one. He is a dynamic worker with detachment and
dignity. He works with love and courage, on select lines of
Dharma to suit the time-spirit and the roll of life. The

OM NAMAH SIVAYA

11

rules of his philosophy and Dharma, as we shall study in

a subsequent chapter, spring forth from the womb of
cosmic good; that which is good for all at all times. His
philosophy reiterates individual refinement and through
that, collective good.
How pleasant it is to think of his smiling face
wherein one can ever find the glittering, lustre of Advaita
Bhava! He takes the first opportunity in saluting or
talking to others, both known and unknown. Sage
Valmiki wrote Poorvabhashee cha Raghavaha (that
Raghava, who-speaks first...); Swamiji is a living
example of this description.
What is the secret behind him? It is pure and
crystallized love of a supremely high degree. Meet him
face to face and you will agree with me.
In the small hours of the day, while you are having a
walk alongside the Ganga bank, you hear a sweet, gentle
voice from behind; Om Namah Sivaya! You look back
and see the tall, charming and radiant soul of Ananda
Kutir, Sivanandaji! He is saluting you in those words.
You do not believe your ears, and begin to wonder at his
way of moving and mixing with ordinary persons, in his
own artless simplicity and unassuming air.
There is a subconscious desire in you to repeat that
divine phrase and salute him. But you have, at the same
time, a psychological hesitation, and unable to utter any
other foreign words of salutation, you simply bow down
your head in reverence. Swamiji then passes on his way.
Yonder, a few yards off, on the roadside, you again hear
the same melodious voice: Om Namah Sivaya! That
means, he is offering salutations to another incarnation
of Lord Siva.
Swamiji sees Lord Siva in every one of us and how
can he refrain from offering salutations to his Lord?

If one wants to have details about Swamijis history,

one has to enquire about Dr. P. V. Kuppuswami, M. R. A.

12

SAINT SIVANANDA

S., M. R. L P. H., of Singapore, Federated Malay States.

For, in his Poorva Ashram Swamiji was he.
Dr. P. V. Kuppuswami was born as the last son of P.
S. Vengu Iyer at Pattamadai on Thursday, the 8th of
September, 1887, at the time of sunrise, when the
auspicious star Bharani was in the ascendant.
Pattamadai is a lovely village situated ten miles away
from Tinnevelly in the southern-most part of India. His
father, Vengu Iyer, belonged to the family of that famous
philosopher Sri Appayya Dikshitar. He was a Tahsildar of
Ettiapuram Estate. He was a virtuous, pure soul, a Siva
Bhakta and a Gyani. People used to say, Vengu Iyer is a
Mahan, Mahapurusha!
While a boy, Kuppuswami was very smart,
intelligent and extremely mischievous. He was a gymnast
and had possessed a wonderful physique. Being a
brilliant student, he was awarded proficiency prizes
almost every year. In 1903, he passed the Matriculation
Examination from the Rajas High School at Ettiapuram.
Thereafter he joined the S. P. G. College, Trichinopoly,
and studied under Rev. H. Packenham Walsh, the then
Principal. He also passed creditably the Tamil
Examination held by the Tamil Sangam of Madura.
Later, he joined the medical line, edited a journal for
nearly three years and in 1913, proceeded to the Straits
Settlements, where he took up profession as a Doctor
first in Negri Sembilian, and subsequently in Singapore.
South Indians, in particular, who have to leave their
motherland and go to the Straits Settlements and Malay
States, desirous of securing a lucrative profession or
earning, find a new atmosphere there. They are far off
from their relatives. They are separated from their
kinsmen. Perchance they are even obliged to be
separated from their sweet-hearts. And, in those far-off
lands, they go on with their routine business cheerfully
for some time. Gradually, they begin to feel their
separation and lose that healthy enthusiasm in work,
without which it is impossible to pull on in life.

OM NAMAH SIVAYA

13

Consequently their ideas become flat and they run after

some momentary stimulation or pleasure.
To give such momentary pleasures, there are
various organised night-clubs and day-clubs! Theatres
and tournaments! The tired foreigners take refuge in one
or other of the above and try to forget their exhaustion.
No wonder, therefore, many get themselves spoiled in the
quagmire of immoral intimacies with a number of foreign
drugs, wine, women, etc. So is the atmosphere that even
a strong-willed pious man has the likelihood of losing
himself into the dreary slough of immorality.
Dr. Kuppuswami was not in the least affected by
such an atmosphere. He was oak and rock. He was,
rather, a peculiar type of man. He knew nothing about
the outside world. Then? He knew these things only:
going to the hospital in time and attending to patients
and singing Gods names or devotional songs. His doors
were kept open to all and no one went away with
disappointment from his house. He gave in plenty to
those who approached.
Unlike many in his profession, Dr. Kuppuswami
delighted, from the beginning, in serving the poor and
the sick and in relieving human sufferings. He loved to be
in the company of the suffering patients to understand
their feelings and difficulties, and to do all he could to
cheer them up.
He used to purchase the newspaper, because by
that other people were persuaded to buy it and this gave
livelihood to a struggling news vendor. Though he was
never interested in the daily news of the world,
occasionally he used to go through the editorial and tried
to strengthen his command over English! He was not, as
he is now, interested in politics. Football, cricket and
such games were, to him, beneath the horizon, he had no
knowledge of any of them. Why should he know? Was not
destiny preparing him to play and win the supreme game
of Brahmajnana?

14

SAINT SIVANANDA

Endowed with these rare qualifications, of not

knowing anything about particular subjects, the Doctor
easily became a good journalist! He was the sports
correspondent of the Malay Tribune. And he wrote a
number of interesting and skillful articles, sitting, as he
was, in his room. However, he took, later on, laborious
pains to understand the science of those Western games.
He studied a number of books, attended tens of
tournaments and equipped himself with a fairly
thorough understanding of them all.
Though he was not, then, interested in Vedanta, he
had a vague urge to secure something better and
substantial. The desire was latent in him. That latent
Samskara was budding in the form of Bhajans, Nama
Sankirtans, and love of service, etc. Often-times, he
invited all the village folk and curious friends to Bhajan
parties. Stories of Nandanar, Ramadas, Tulasidas, and
such devotees were the themes of his speech, song,
performances on such occasions. Songs came bursting
out of his heart, and words from his mouth. Dance and
humour followed automatically.
He thought of learning harmonium so as to sing and
dance with scientific perfection. He got hold of a
musician and engaged his services for a few weeks. He
fed him, provided him with all amenities, and learnt to
play on the harmonium within a month. He gave two
hundred dollars to the musician as remuneration. The
tutor was surprised; for twenty or twenty-five classes of
half-an-hours duration each day; he had never expected
such a large remuneration. This sort of lofty-minded
generosity was a common affair in Dr. Kuppuswamis
life. Years passed; and the elder brother of that musician
came to know that the Saint of Ananda Kutir was the
very blossom of that joyous and kindly Dr. Kuppuswami.
He paid a visit to Swamiji and said, O Maharaj! My
younger brother is no more. He was always telling us
about your generosity and large-hearted kindness.
Though all of us, the closest relatives, were by his

OM NAMAH SIVAYA

15

deathbed, he was pronouncing your name only, and

never, for a moment, remembered us. With your name
only, he gave up his breath!
Dr. Kuppuswami was also ready to appreciate and
encourage artists. If he found a rare gift in anyone, he
used to do his best to lift him up. We shall come across
very many like instances of help later on.
Shall we approach the doctor and understand his
life? Come on, then, let us have a visit to him on a
Sunday or on any other holiday. As we enter into his
compound, we hear thundering laughter and pleasant
hurrah of a few little boys. We go in: what do we find? The
doctor is a green-room master! Seven or eight boys stand
around him. He is just creating Rama, Sita, Hanuman,
and a host of others. Need I say, he is arranging for a
devotional drama? To one, he is adjusting the mustache;
to another he is draping the Saree. He turns to the right
and teaches the dialogues to Rama; and turning to the
left, tutions songs to Sita!
Can we imagine a doctor, with stethoscope and
waist-coat, to be like this? But he was. So deep was his
devotion to the Lord.
The so-called gentries and officials; who were Dr.
Kuppuswamis friends, should have hesitated very much
before sending him invitations for marriages, tea-parties,
or such social functions. Whenever they heard the name
of the doctor, they dreaded so much! For, they knew
pretty well that he would march forth, in right earnest,
with
his
army:
Harmonium,
Tabla,
and
Nama-Sankirtans! Not only that; he would even invade
the lecture halls or marriage houses, an hour or two
earlier, and open the shop. I mean, he would begin his
Divya Nama Sankirtans.
If he missed to get invitations, occasionally, from
any of his close friends, he used to straightway go to the
friend and say, Have you forgotten me? Anyhow, you are
my friend and I am bound to attend the Abdapoorti

16

SAINT SIVANANDA

celebration of your child! ... And, in all his majestic

boldness, Dr. Kuppuswami would begin Rama-Rama
Namavalis. No sanction, no introduction, no formality
did he need. He issued the licence himself.
Could it have been possible for anyone to fail from
falling into the net of such a loving and affectionate
figure? He had his own singularly joyful and pushing
nature.
In the hospital, where Dr. Kuppuswami began work
as a doctor, one would find very often things dislocated.
The scavengers and other low-paid workers of the
hospital used to run away as a result of the Chief
Doctors strictness or ill-treatment. Most of the menials
were either Burmese or Chinese people. They had the
confidence that wherever they went they could earn their
livelihood. So, if the European doctors said anything
insinuative they used to flee. But Dr. Kuppuswami was
there; he knew how to set matters right. He would
immediately cajole them, encourage them with soothing
words, and bring them back. He would then argue with
the Chief Doctor, convince him and get for the menial
staff all reasonable concessions.
His way of purchasing books was very strange.
Every now and then he would go to the bookstalls and
simply ask, Please let me have a copy in each of the
Vedantic books that you have with you. He would give
the shopkeepers a list of books saying, These books, I
have already got with me; whatever is not in the list, you
may send along with your bill to my house. Any
philosophical or yogic book that was out had a place in
the doctors book-shelf.
Hark! A person is just entering the doctors house.
Let us follow him.
I am awfully in need of two hundred dollars. Whom
else can I approach, if not you, at this critical juncture?
You must save me says he to the doctor. The doctor does
not speak a word in reply. He rushes into his room and

OM NAMAH SIVAYA

17

pulls out the bank pass-book. His eyes show signs of

disappointment, as there is only the minimum balance in
the bank. He is standing motionless for two or three
minutes, perhaps, trying to solve the problem.
He then throws away the pass-book and comes to
the person. Friend! Pray, wait for a short while. So
saying, he goes out. How can his friend know that the
doctor is going with a jewel to be pledged?
Very soon the doctor returns with a smiling face,
and gives the money, in all loftiness of heart, to his
friend. How many such friends in need are there in this
world?
To everyone who came in contact with him, he was a
family friend. How many youngsters were helped by him!
How many persons were rescued in times of emergency!
Even as a doctor, he lived for others: he used his
influence, wealth, and knowledge for the uplift of the
suffering folk. In short, Dr. Kuppuswami was one with
the radiance of godly virtues. Money was nothing to him.
Service and joy were his inborn treasures.
In the year 1923, there came a sudden lightning in
his vision and a vigorous glow of spiritual flame in his
heart. He gave away all his household belongings to
whomsoever he thought fit, renounced all worldly
desires, and started on his spiritual quest.
He looked around his house. The doors, the pillars,
the water buckets, all seemed to him to be the
incarnations of Lord Siva. In man he saw the Lord. In
woman he saw Him. In friend and foe alike, he saw the
same Lord. His lips began to chant, effortlessly, that
angelic spell, Om Namah Sivaya! Om Namah Sivaya! He
had no idea of whither to go and what to do! But the
gigantic desire for Brahmajnana bliss was hanging heavy
upon him and how could he be at rest?

THE HOLY ORDER

Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom
Lead thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home.
Lead thou me on!
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me!
Newman
The cosmic dance of life had its merry play around
him. He witnessed silently natures tireless energy with
rapture at heart and wonder in mind. His thoughts
began to soar aloft and coerced him up to go afar; but
where to go, he could not decide.
A truth entered into him and giggled: Dear Soul, fie
upon the worldly factions! For, has not civilisation taken
away forever from all of you, the virgin joy of life in its
primitive beauty? The doctor wondered and wondered
and never before had he felt such intense comradeship
with nature: earth and water, wind and rain, sun and
star, the first-born of the Lord. He wanted to embrace the
sweet and gracious gifts of Nature: the land and the river,
the sea and the sky, the gentle breeze and the evening
calm.
He was alone and unfriended in finding out the way
to calm down the spiritual eruption in his heart. His
mind ached to think of the final waste and sadness of
prolific life. He felt sick of its barren fertility. Many a
night he sat on the open terrace, alone and awake, pining
for things which he felt, but could not define or
understand.
(18)

THE HOLY ORDER

19

To many who noticed the sudden turn of events with

him, the doctor became a serious cause for anxiety. They
wanted to rescue him! They used their friendly privileges
to save him from the muddle! One called him a gullible
fellow; the doctor cheerfully nodded off that sympathetic
rebuke. A friend mocked at his superstition; he smiled
and sent him away. Another close colleague asked him,
in the name of God, to define the texture of his faith and
ambition: the doctor pointed out the star-lit sky and the
temple corner of the town and said, You cannot
understand! Yet another well-wisher rushed in and tried
to beguile him into a metaphysical talk as to the
appetites of the mind and the revelations of psychology.
There was no reply; but there was a passionate gleam in
his eyes and a blossoming mirth in his heart.
Nothing could block his way. He spent many
sleepless nights in pondering over the Self and the
beauteous bounties of the Lord. It seemed some force
was pushing him from behind to quit the urban life and
be an aimless wanderer renouncing every bondage. He
realised that only in the slow, alchemic fire of
renunciation could man cleanse the sins of ages, could
rid himself of all scum and dross; then only could he
have a gradual, atomic change and become quite a new
being, wholly pure, selfless and bright.
There was a resolute will and who could stop him?
He liquidated all his doctoral activities, gave away in
charity most of his furniture and other belongings to
some of his worthy friends, and secured a passage from
Singapore to Madras. His tentative idea was to be an
aimless wanderer at the will of God visiting all religious
places in India; shrines, rivers, and epic spots.
He reached Madras, with the remaining luggage of
household things. With about a cart-load of samans, the
doctor called at a particular friends and asked the
cart-man to transfer the samans into the house, himself
standing at the gate and watching the transfer.

20

SAINT SIVANANDA

His friend was not in the house at that time; the

housewife was inside looking after the routine cooking.
In South India, women do not come out to receive or to
talk to any male guest. And, it is also considered not
proper for a male guest to enter a house when there is no
male member to receive him.
The cart-man was paid and sent away. Dr.
Kuppuswami, standing as he was at the gateway, said,
Tell him, I am going! and started on his quest after the
divine joy. After a few minutes, his friend came back from
the market, and hearing from his wife, of the doctors
arrival, ran to find him out. Within a few furlongs he met
his good old friend, Dr. Kuppuswami.
The doctor was astonished at the sight of his friend,
for, just a few minutes earlier, he had been praying to
God that he should be enabled to meet someone known
to him, so that he might leave a word with that man, to be
conveyed to his friend, as regards his decision. He
wondered at the Lords mercy.
Dr. Kuppuswami told his friend all that he had to
say and bade adieu: Friend, keep all the things with you;
I think I have kept a few hundreds of rupees in a certain
trunk; let everything be with you. If an occasion
demands I shall communicate with you. He had
renounced all connections with those remnants of his
belongings also, and had no idea of treating anything as
his own. Yet, to be consistent with the wise mans way of
doing things he said so, though later on, as you will read,
he had very many critical moments of suffering, he never
thought of the Trust left with the said friend. Aye, how
could it be a Trust? Was it not intended to be a Gift?
The doctor, thus, surrendered himself to the will of
God and straightway proceeded to Benares. He spent
there all the pocket money he had and made his
surrender a complete one.
By foot and by train (if any one offered to secure for
him a railway ticket), in sun and rain, on rough track and

THE HOLY ORDER

21

metaled road, legs carried his body. I am right: the doctor

was little by little forgetting his body! He visited Nasik,
Poona, Pandharpur and many other holy places. He
stayed for a short period with a great Yogi near the
Vindhyas. As he could not arrive at any decisive plan, he
went on wandering.
He came, on his way, to Dhalaj, a village on the bank
of the Chandrabhaga. It was a beautiful evening. Seating
himself upon a small piece of rock, he was listening to the
graceful, silent voice of the calm river. Joy was in the air,
riding merrily heavenwards, as if to invite the stars to
open their eyes and enjoy the charming beauty of the
Chandrabhaga.
Dr. Kuppuswami became so mesmerized that he
wanted to remain there for a few months meditating
upon God. But he knew nobody there, and who would
feed him for a number of days together? The next
moment, he dismissed that anxiety out of his mind. Had
he not disbanded his mind and placed himself
completely at the will of God?
A gentle touch on the shoulders from behind
disturbed his musings. He turned back. Seeing a pious,
elderly face, the doctor uttered Om Namo Narayanaya!
and bowed down courteously.
Dear Sir, why are you sitting here, in a lonely place?
It is already half past twilightAre you a pilgrim?
asked the new-comer.
Yes I am a pilgrim replied the doctor. He hesitated
for a minute, and again said, No, I am not a pilgrim! I am
a wanderer. I am natures child!
The strange reply and the firm but charming facial
appearance of the doctor impressed the new-comer very
much. He at once understood that the doctor was a
highly evolved soul. Without putting any further queries,
he took him to his house. And after the night meal was
over they had a long talk about the Lilas of God.

22

SAINT SIVANANDA

The host was a Post Master of that place. We have no

details as regards his life. He was living alone and had,
we have to infer, no dependents. He was a very pious and
austere man too. Naturally he requested Dr.
Kuppuswami to remain with him. The doctor had never
expected this. He simply wondered at the mercy of the
Lord!
He remained there for about four months, singing
and chanting Gods names and glories. He found
pleasure in making himself useful to others. He helped
the Postmaster in cooking, in bringing water from the
adjacent well, and in ever so many other ways.
The postal peon used to start from the Post Office,
with the daily tapals, at nine oclock and, after finishing
the days work, would return at about three oclock in the
afternoon. Have you any idea of the tiresome nature of
the postmans work? Follow a postman for one day from
start to return, and you will understand. The doctor had
observed everything very keenly and no wonder, he was
easily able to understand others difficulties and
sufferings.
As soon as the postman came back in the afternoon,
the doctor used to give him cool water to cleanse his feet;
he would give him fine butter-milk; and on many
occasions, when the postman seemed to be very much
exhausted, he would shampoo his legs, saying, Dont
object. Take me to be your son or brother; I cannot see
you suffer like this!
Such a tender-hearted person was he! The Post
Master found in him a worthy companion, a worshipful
Tyagi, and an ideal Karma Yogi.
Later on, the doctor expressed a desire to settle
down in a calm and solitary atmosphere so that he could
do rigorous Tapascharya. His host suggested to him to go
to Rishikesh; and gave him twenty-five rupees for his
train fare. The doctor, then, straight-away proceeded to
Rishikesh, on the bank of the Ganga.

THE HOLY ORDER

23

He saw the hills and the valleys; and heard the songs
of the nearby forest birds. He saw the gentle Ganga and
the lovely splendour of the heavenly Himalayas. He felt
the kiss of the reckless wind, the warm embrace of the
summer weather, and the strange music of the yonder
mountain stream.
It was the latter half of May, or the first half of June,
1924. Only a few weeks had passed since his arrival at
Rishikesh.
One day, as usual, he went to the Ganga for bath.
Whistling a note to the winds that played with him,
singing a song to the birds that greeted him, and
chanting a mystic hymn to the rising sun, he stood on
the Ganga bank. He was about to take his dip into the
holy river.
Just then a Sannyasi came there. Brahmatejas
emanated from him. He looked very austere. At the very
sight of such a great soul, his own decision was made to
become a Sannyasin. Here again, he realised the mercy
of God.
The next moment that radiant sage said to him
Your face shows that you are born to fulfill a great
mission. How I wish to initiate a person of your type, to
be enrolled in the holy Order of Sannyasa! Where do you
come from, pious Sir?
The doctor was wonder-struck, for had he not, then,
been thinking of taking Sannyasa?
Blessed am I, O, venerable Sage, I am anxious to be
initiated! replied he.
I am also fortunate! Though you are unknown to me
physically, my Inner voice says that I cannot find a better
and a more worthy disciple than you. So come on, I shall
initiate you! the Sage exclaimed. And he continued, I
am known as Vishwananda and I live in Benares. I am
from Sringeri Mutt, and I belong to the Paramahamsa
Order.

24

SAINT SIVANANDA

The doctors joy knew no bounds. He felt he was a

Kritartha. The religious rites and rituals were performed
reverentially; he cast off the householders clothes and
put on the holy garb of a Sannyasin. The Preceptor
named him as Sivananda Saraswati, and initiated him
in the Order of Paramahamsas.

TAPASCHARYA (1)
The look of sympathy, the gentle word,
Spoken so low that only angels heard.
The secret act of pure self-sacrifice,
Unseen by men, but marked by angels eyes
Coolidge
So he became a solitary philosophic bird soaring
high above the spiritual ocean, with no shelter to rest.
The sea bird has a ships mast to rest; but our Siva-bird
had not even that.
He was full of joy and heard a voice addressing him
Oh thou! Beauty and joy, peace and bliss, await thee
who hast the vision and faith to labour selflessly for the
human race. March on and plunge thyself into
Tapascharya!
Rishikesh is a pilgrim centre and the constant rush
of incoming and outgoing visitors generally disturbed the
stillness of the Himalayan solitude. Swami Sivananda,
as we may now call the doctor, was so mad after solitude
that he had to go in search of a quiet place. And
fortunately, he was able to select an excellent spot,
within three miles from Rishikesh on the left bank of the
beautiful Ganga, known as Lakshmanjhula.
Ganga is about a furlong broad here with a zigzag
course. Walking a couple of miles from Rishikesh to the
north, up along the river bank, we see the splendid
Manikoot Range, and on its slopes, the isolated calm
village of Lakshmanjhula, replete with scattered Kutias
and a few buildings.
Legends say that Rama and Lakshmana, the heroes
of the Ramayana, were directed by their Guru Vasishta
(25)

26

SAINT SIVANANDA

to do rigorous tapas on the bank of the Ganga and get

themselves absolved from the sin of killing Ravana.
Being the son of Vishravas, a Brahmin, Ravana belonged
to the Brahmin caste; and Rama killed him.
Kumbhakarna and Indrajit, brother and son of Ravana,
in order, were killed by Lakshmana.
According to the Hindu scriptures, killing a
Brahmin, be it for any reason, is one of the deadliest of
sins. Anyone who kills a Brahmin incurs Brahmahatya
Patakam. So Rama and Lakshmana approached their
Guru, Vasishta, for advice, and the Guru asked them to
go to the Himalayan regions and perform Tapas on the
Ganga bank.
They found a particular spot very charming, quiet
and beautifully suited for meditation. It was on the right
bank of the river. Lakshmana said to Rama, Brother, I
shall do my meditation here, on this side; and you may go
to the other side of the river. Complete solitude is
necessary for Tapas. There was no bridge to cross the
river and hence Lakshmana constructed a bridge. Rama
went to the other side to perform his Tapas.
Lakshmanjhula means Lakshmanas Bridge.
There is no trace of that legendary bridge now. But the
name is yet there. Of late, a causeway has been built up
to cross the Ganga and pedestrians can go to
Lakshmanjhula without waiting for the boatman.
Swamiji crossed the river by boat and reached
Lakshmanjhula. The gentle breeze welcomed him with
the scent of forest perfumes, kindling in him rich
thoughts of a newer life. The singing of the mountain
birds revealed simple tales of lofty peaks and river
valleys. Enjoying the natures grandeur, Sivanandaji
wandered in the village for some days meditating and
singing. In the afternoons, he got some food from a
Kshetra (Choultry) and when night fell, he slept in any
Kutia or the outer verandah of a building.

TAPASCHARYA (1)

27

Within a week, he was able to secure a place to rest

his body. It was an old dilapitaded small Kutia. Bushes
and ant-hills were the neighbours of that aged Kutia.
The scorpions and the lizards that had their quiet homes
in the deep cracks all over the walls, seemed to whisper
to one another: Are we to believe our eyes? Even the
ghosts feared this rotten Kutia and ran away! See that
young handsome Sannyasihas he no eyes, or, is he
mad?" Despite such low estimation in the eyes of those
co-tenants, Swamiji lived there quite normally.
North and south he would go in the forest tracks,
singing and chanting Om. Either a ballad from a
folk-lore or a devotional song in praise of the Almighty
stood always on his lips, when he walked through the
village lanes.
He saw many Yogis and Sadhus. Having been
subjected to extreme cold and malarial weather, most of
them had frequent attacks of fever, dysentery, etc. People
who take to constant practice of yoga ought to take
sufficient nutritious food as otherwise their health will be
spoiled. Wherefrom could those Sadhus get ghee, curd or
milk? Or, who was there to help them with medicines,
when they suffered from dysentery or fever?
As a keen observer of others difficulties, how could
Swamiji keep quiet? He was, further, a doctor. He wanted
to place his medical knowledge at the disposal of the
Sadhus. He thought of securing some essential
chemicals and medicines.
Destiny had worked everything in favour of Swamiji.
When Swamiji was a doctor, he had invested some
money in the Post Office Savings Bank, and had a
matured (endowment) Insurance policy. He made
arrangements to realise those sums, and with the money
so got he started the Satya Sevashram Charitable
Dispensary.
He
worked
there
for
one
year
whole-heartedly and served all Sadhus, Sannyasins and
villagers.

28

SAINT SIVANANDA

Gradually Swamiji began to become popular among

the Sadhus. His kind enquiries about their health, his
sympathetic words to soothe their ailments, his smiling
jokes and charming songsall these singled him out in
the Sadhu colony. All the Sadhus at Rishikesh and
Lakshmanjhula (Swargashram) had so much reverence
and regard for Swamiji that whenever they met one
another, they talked about his kind and loving nature.
Many induced the pilgrims to have a Darshan of him.
A great Sannyasin, who had much influence with
the Swargashram authorities, came in contact with
Sivanandaji and he found out the greatness of the latter.
He provided Swamiji with a fine, compact Kutia, just on
the bank of the Ganga.
Every morning he used to visit Kutia after Kutia and
look to the welfare of the Sadhus. To some Kutias he
would go unnoticed and gently place inside, a cup of milk
or curd or ghee. He had invested a nominal capital, out of
the Insurance money, in Bank and with the interest
accrued, he conducted his medical activities.
He was vigilantly looking for sick persons and the
moment he heard of any complaint, he would run,
literally, to the patient and serve him. He would shampoo
his feet; he would wash his clothes; he would give him
medicines; and he would beg alms and provide food for
him.
On one occasion, while Swamiji was having a walk
on the Ganga bank he met a Sadhu who was on his way
to Badrinath. The Sadhu was very weary, exhausted and
suffering from a chronic fever. Swamiji studied his bodily
symptom and offered him a few effective medicines with
necessary instructions. The Sadhu, then went on his
way. After a short while when Swamiji was attending on
some other patient, there was a flash of thought. He felt,
What an absent-minded fool I am! I have forgotten to
give this Amrit-dhara medicine to the Sadhu. This will be
of great help to him.

TAPASCHARYA (1)

29

Not a moment he lost. He had the presence of mind

and the sincerity of purpose. He had the fatherly love and
at once followed on the heels of the Sadhu. He ran and
ran and at the fifth or the sixth mile on the rugged path,
he met him. With rays of love beaming forth from his eyes
Swamiji handed over the medicine to the Sadhu and
tears of gratitude bubbled in the latters eyes.
Swamiji has shampooed and served many hundreds
of Sadhus. He finds joy in serving the sick and the lame.
Very often we come across his emphatic declaration:
Serve the sick with Atma Bhava. There is great joy in
selfless service. Serve with the Bhava as if you are
serving the Lord. Feel that the energy of Hiranyagarbha
is flowing through your hands to quicken the patients
recovery.
For a number of hours daily Swamiji remained in
seclusion practising Yoga and Tapascharya. Service to
the Sadhus and meditation weighed equally with him,
and they were intermixed with each other. His spiritual
Sadhana was more inward, deeper and more practical
than that of the Yoga Pundits.
Like an angel away from heaven, amid the human
world, Swamiji shone with a characteristic splendor, all
his own. In the early hours of the morn, he would wend
his way through the rough path to reach the bathing
Ghat, shouting in a high pitched voice divine names and
songs. Breaking forth from the Ganga bank, the
exquisite tenderness of his tone had something of the
fugitive beauty of the dawn.
Hearing that melodious voice which pierced right up
into the skies, all Sadhus and villagers got up from their
slumber to enliven the quiet place. Swamiji was the
clock-man of the village.
Finishing his bath in the Ganga, Swamiji would
return to his Kutia and sit at meditation. At about eight
or nine in the morning, he had his usual go-round
inspecting and in search of the ailing Sadhus. On most of

30

SAINT SIVANANDA

the days, his medical services took a pretty long time, till
two oclock in the afternoon. Afterwards he would go to
the Swargashram Kshetra with his bowl to get his share
of food.
There were many Sadhus in the Swargashram,
Kutias: as many as eighty or ninety. As soon as the
bell-call for food was heard, all of them had to go to the
Kshetra and stand in a line holding up their bowls.
Honouring the traditional Olympian airs of superiority
the feeders of the Kshetra had a natural sneer at the
penniless Sadhus and treated them as if they were mere
beggars. They made them wait from half to one hour in
the hot sun.
After finishing his meal, and taking a few minutes
rest, if not asleep, the man in charge of food distribution
would come out like a prince. On seeing his
contemptuous face, the Sadhus would stand at
attention. They would then go to him one by one, and get
their food.
Swamijis Kutia number was eighty-three and so, he
had his turn only after eighty-two numbers! Were they
not called by numbers? When the call for eighty-three
came, he would, walk gently like a swan and get his
meals.
Later on, the Kshetra authorities realised the worth
of Swamiji and made special arrangements to supply him
sumptuous food, with ghee, curd and butter. Though he
accepted the special treatment thus offered, he took only
the ordinary food as others did and kept the ghee and
other things in his Kutia to be distributed among those
whose health required such nutrition.
Often-times, Swamiji congregated all the yogis of the
locality and delivered Upanyasams (religious discourses)
explaining his own spiritual experiences. He requested
others too to speak. There was Bhajan and merry divine
dance of joy. Where there was dull monotony and
isolation before, lively joy began to play.

TAPASCHARYA (1)

31

In the afternoon, one would see Swamiji absorbed in

writing. All the good thoughts or new experiences he had,
he used to record then and there. He had no paper, nor
sufficient money to secure it; and even if he had some
money, there was no shop nearby to supply him
note-books or paper. Headed by Swamiji, many Sadhus
invaded Rishikesh and penetrated into the various parts
of the locality to loot the waste-paper heaps with a view to
secure small sheets of paper or used envelopes. The
blank pages of the sheets and the back side of the
envelopes were then stitched as note-book wherein
Swamiji inscribed his thoughts. Even now a few of such
note-books are with Swamiji. Those rubbish sheets have
the honour of keeping in them valuable spiritual
thoughts recorded by Swamiji in all freshness of his
experience.
In the evenings Sivanandaji would shut up his Kutia
doors and sit for meditation. He used to be in Samadhi
till late at night.
At about dead of night, when the breeze steals
through the low bamboo trees with a hissing tune,
singing the song of mankinds sleep, a Sadhu hears a
distant melodious voice singing in the sweetest metre. He
goes to another Sadhu in the adjacent Kutia and gently
whispers: How fortunate we are to move with such a
great soul! He is an angel! Let us think of him and go to
bed. The other Sadhu says, He wakes us up with his
morning music, and makes us sleep with his nightly
songs! He is all kindness and love! Then both the
Sadhus retire to bed, thinking and wondering at the
virtues of Sivanandaji Maharaj.
Such was his daily life in the early days of his
spiritual Sadhana.

TAPASCHARYA (II)
Ponder well and know the right;
Onward then and know thy might.
Goethe
Sri Valmikis Rama was the ideal man who lived.
Lord Krishna, with his popular slogan Do as I say and
not as I do preached the ideal life. In India there are
several Sadhus, amongst whom a few are definitely
known to the world, who live like Rama. Lord Krishna is
more fortunate. He has millions of admirably loyal
disciples to play His role tirelessly with cent-per-cent
perfection; saying as he said and living, too, as he lived!
How perfectly devoted to Krishna they are!
Saint Sivananda is neither a silent Rama, nor
merely a theorist-Krishna. He is a roaring prophet, living
like Rama and preaching like Krishna. The teachers of
mankind are few. A thousand years may pass by without
the advent of such a one; but when the true teacher does
appear, the distinguishing feature by which he is known
is his life. His conduct is different from other men and his
teaching is never derived from any man or book, but from
his own life. The teacher first lives and then teaches
others how they may likewise live. The proof of his
teaching is in himself, his life. Out of a million preachers,
only one is ultimately accepted by mankind as a true
teacher and that one who is thus accepted and exalted is
he who lives. Swamiji lives first and then only teaches.
Prompted by a desire to see the places where
Swamiji had his solitude and Tapascharya, I crossed the
Ganga at Lakshmanjhula, and wandered hither and
thither in the solitary woods, forgetting myself at the
sight of so beautiful a scenery. There were many yogis
(32)

TAPASCHARYA (II)

33

and Sadhus living in quiet Kutias. Most of them seemed

to refuse contact with worldly people, for; their looks
were so indifferent and isolated. There were some who
talked very good English.
The friend who was accompanying me had a
thorough knowledge of those parts; and having lived with
Swamiji for a long time he knew much about his life at
Swargashram. He proved a useful guide.
Like the slender waist of a charming maiden, the
Ganga bed is beautifully narrow. The high mountains on
both sides seem to protect the virgin charm of her gentle
flow. With a sudden turn here and a rushing drift there,
she makes a merry laughter, the distant echo of which
rings in our ears day and night.
My friend took me to the rushing drift, where huge
pieces of rocks lie scattered across, competing with one
another to kiss the clear waters of the blossoming Ganga.
Friend, it is very dangerous; I have not insured my
life yet! Pray, excuse me; I cannot come there! I cried.
You shy creature! See that tiny bird and the small
monkey. How fearlessly they jump from rock to rock and
play! Do they dread like you...What if you have a slip and
get drowned into the drift? One should be proud to have
his death at this beautiful place! Come on... he said and
dragged me on. I walked after him carefully following his
steps. On one of the rocks we sat trying to understand
the tale the foaming drift was telling us in such noisy
words.
My friend pointed to a nearby rock which was almost
in the midst of the river, where the current was very
fierce. He said, On many days, Swamiji sat there for
evening meditation. Occasionally, to escape the swarm of
visitors, he used to hide himself in the hollow angular cut
in that rock and after sunset, he would steal his way
back to the Kutia.
The
pilgrims
who
visited
Rishikesh
and
Lakshmanjhula, hearing about Swamiji and desirous of

34

SAINT SIVANANDA

having his Darshan, began to approach Number

Eighty-three and knock at the door. Siva came out and
the visitors had his blessings. But on some days, the
flock of visitors became a nuisance. Sivas meditation or
writing was disturbed. And he had no alternative but to
abscond for some time! He had three or four such
hide-outs, to reach whither involved great riskstwo
dangerous rocky edges amid the Ganga and two bushy
forest ranges on the Manikoot slopes.
One should not think that Swamiji wanted to run
away from the visitors. In fact, he liked them very much.
He wanted to move with them and give them spiritual
lessons. If visitors were to come at a time when he had a
desire to dive deep into meditation or any other spiritual
pursuit, he preferred to absent himself for a short while.
The Maharanee of Singai, a very pious lady, had
great reverence for Swamiji and used to visit
Lakshmanjhula often to have his Darshan. She owned a
fine building just near the Swargashram temple.
Whenever she came she used to remain there for at least
a month or two. During such days, she would send fruits
and sweets daily to Swamiji. Swamiji, in his turn,
distributed them to others. He was doing rigorous
spiritual Sadhanas and he tabooed many items of
eatables.
He remembered the Garden of Eden and the sweet
fruit which spoiled Adam and Eve. By and by he tried to
keep himself aloof and wanted to avoid close movements
with the royal disciple. Even then, the Ranee Sahiba
would not stop sending fruits and milk to him. One day
she arranged for a feast (Bhandara). She personally went
and invited all the Sadhus. And she very anxiously
expected Swamiji to dine with her.
But what happened? Swamiji realised that he
should overcome all those temptations. He made his stiff
conclusion, and called one of his two disciples; and
asked him to lock up the Kutia doors from outside and go
away. The disciple was perplexed. Swamiji sternly

TAPASCHARYA (II)

35

commanded him Look here. Lock me up here in the

Kutia for two or three days. Do it! The young student
carried out his Gurus orders.
Though disappointed, the Ranee was yet obstinate
and she sent the various dishes through a servant, with
instructions to wait at the Kutia doors and give them to
Swamiji. The servant found the doors locked, and
awaiting Swamijis arrival (he thought that Swamiji
might have gone out) sat at the Kutia Payil. He waited for
long hours but to no avail. He then went to Swamijis
disciples and enquired. They coolly advised him to return
to his mistress!
Swamiji did not stir out of the Kutia. No one knew
that he was locked up there. He had an earthen vase
which he used as bed-pan. When it became night he
gently opened the Kutia window and threw away the pan.
Without water or food he was meditating during those
three days. On the fourth day, as per his instructions,
the disciple opened the doors. Swamiji took a long breath
on being told that the Ranee Sahiba had left the place the
previous evening.
During the period of rigorous Tapascharya, one
must not move closely with anybody. If he does so, his
mind might get distracted and then he can do no serious
Sadhana. Swamiji kept this always in mind and
successfully faced all the trials that came to him in the
shape of comforts, offerings and invitations.
By such constant Nivritti-Sadhanas, he perfected
himself, attaining (shall I say?) the world-proof stage.
The state of mind in which the worldly influences will
have no effect is the world-proof stage. Once a person
attains that, he has no fear. He is above all temptations.
Even the fruit plucked out of the forbidden tree will not
affect him.
The supreme wisdom lies in detaching oneself from
every outward thing, and in resting securely upon the
inward virtue. Having this wisdom one will be the same

36

SAINT SIVANANDA

whether in riches or in poverty. The riches cannot add to

his strength, nor can poverty rob him of his divine joy.
Gaining that wisdom, the philosopher interprets
everything as good and utilizes all opportunities to make
himself wiser, and to make others also wise. If they
happen to commit any mistakes, they at once accept
them as lessons of intrinsic value, and rectify. Herein lies
the strength of highly evolved souls.
A great mind will always be great of purpose. Men
who have moulded the destinies of humanity have been
men mighty of purpose. Like the Roman laying his road,
they have followed along a well-defined path, and have
refused to swerve aside even when torture and death
confronted them. The great leaders of the race are the
mental road-makers, and mankind follows in the
intellectual and spiritual paths which they have carved
out. Hindrances stimulate such wise men of purpose.
Difficulties and trials nerve them to renewed exertion.
Understanding the Inner Truth of nature,
Sivanandaji, later on, seized all opportunities and set
upon his mission.
Swamiji had an urge to wander about and instill in
the peoples of different parts his religious thoughts.
Circumstances were not favourable for some time. The
local chief began to pile obstacles in the path of Swamijis
efforts to settle himself.
He felt he could no longer remain at Swargashram.
He wanted to move away to some place. There was,
besides, an idea to go-about and lead a Parivrajaka-Life.

ANANDA KUTIR
Leading the life of an itinerant monk, Swamiji slept
many a night in dilapidated public buildings. On many
days he starved and walked in the hot sun and the cold
weather. He liked to suffer and even rejoiced in it. He
travelled up to Rameshwar, delivering lectures, and
demonstrating Yoga Asanas and Sankirtans in many
places on his way. He had a trip to Mount Kailas and
Manasarovar Lake, covering on foot a distance of four
hundred and eighty miles from Almora. Swamiji himself
has written a booklet on his visit to Mount Kailas, which
is very interesting to read.
After such wandering life for about four years,
Swamiji came back to Rishikesh and settled on the right
bank of the Ganga, just a mile away from the town. Can a
honey-comb escape the sight of men? Devotees and
disciples began to gather around and gradually the
necessity for an Ashram became inevitable. Swamijis
Ashram, Ananda Kutir, thus had its birth. The place
since then is being practically called Sivagram.
The calm air and the blue sky, the green meadow
and the smiling hills, the silent forest and the distant
Palace, mountain glades and water-falls, greet us the
moment we alight from the train at Rishikesh railway
station.
The crude fashion of dividing beautiful lawns into
ugly lanes, and the ethics and economics of perverted
urbanity, are far from us. Creepers greet us at every step
with colourful flowers. Trees on the river bank bend with
fruits. Birds sing and make merry on the boughs.
Sadhus and seekers who pine for solitude and
salvation have their huts throughout. As we pass along
(37)

38

SAINT SIVANANDA

the lonely road, we hear the tireless singing of godly

Kirtans from many quarters.
Walking two miles along this beautiful road, we
reach Sivagram, the saintly place of Ananda Kutir, where
Swami Sivanandaji, the Power-House of spiritual
wisdom, lives. This small village, named after Swamiji, is
on the bank of the Ganga. The high Tehri hills behind,
the charming flow of the gentle Ganga and the grand
majesty of the Manikoot range in front, the splendid sight
of the holy Rishikesh in the west and the green forests in
the east: these are the presents of Nature to Sivagram.
The melodious songs of the stealing breeze and the
distant laughs of the river-drift take us all to the angels
land.
Ananda Kutir, as its name suggests, is the abode of
bliss for one and all. The sinner and the saint, the
dreamer and the devotee, the rogue and the recluse: all
melt into divinity the moment they enter the aura of this
paradise and the lord of this paradise is Swamiji. Sweet
is Swamijis face, majestic his appearance, and lustrous
his looks.
In the early morning, at about four, we hear a long
bell from up the hill where the Bhajan Hall is situated,
and following it, the high melodious chants of
Om..:Ohm...mohm..., Jai Shankar, Hari Om. The
Ashramites, then, repeat the same names and get up
from their slumber. Some take their bath and some wash
their faces. With a lantern in his hand, one of the senior
inmates leads the other disciples to the Bhajan Hall. In
such a cool hour they have a prayer-class.
Stotras in praise of the Almighty, reading of a
chapter in the Bhagavatam, studying a portion from the
Upanishads, recitation of an Adhyaya from the Gita, and
meditation on Om, comprise the morning prayers. After
the prayers they practise Yoga Asanas for a short while.
Now a devotee enters the hall with flowers and milk
for pooja. Abhishekam, Archana and Arathi, are all done

ANANDA KUTIR

39

perfectly. Prasadams, Kichadi and milk are then

distributed, and the disciples disperse to their Kutias
either for study of books or for other works.
Vanaprasta Hermitage, Kailas Kutir, Yoga Sadhana
Kutir, the Sivananda Elementary School, the Kaivalya
Guha, the Bhajan Hall, and the Temple for common
worshipall are at about forty feet up the hill. Students
of philosophy and yoga have their shelter in one or other
of the Kutias.
On the very banks of the Ganga, in an old
Dharmasala building, are situated the offices of the
Sivananda Publication League and the Divine Life
magazine, a free dispensary and a free feeding Kshetra.
As soon as the Morning Prayer and Pooja are over,
we come down to the League Hall. Swamiji is there
attending to the correspondence and distribution of
typing work to his various disciples. In the middle, he
sings a song in a homely tunemaking a mixture of
English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and whichever language he
knows. He has the boldness and piety to compose such
novel songs. And we follow him unconsciously, repeating
what he sings. Not only that: we begin to tune the
mixture-song silently in our hearts and admire the
originality of Swamiji.
At about twelve oclock, Swamiji goes back to his
Kutia to have his mid-day food, after which he takes a
little rest and sits again for writing. He keeps seven or
eight note-books, with different captions. Whenever new
ideas flow he writes them down in the particular
note-book to which those ideas suit most. This is one of
the secrets of his successive voluminous production.
Well, in the afternoon visitors might loiter here and
there in the Ashram, or they might take a book from the
Sivananda Library and spend the time. Or, they might
have a, happy talk with some of the Ashramites who have
some free time. The inmates are so kind and wise that
worldly men have got a lot to learn from them.

40

SAINT SIVANANDA

A few disciples are attending to some typing works.

Some others are looking to the proof-corrections. Here
some are reading in the Library Room. There a few others
are engaged in looking after Ashram requirements. Every
now and then some of the inmates make kind enquiries
as to the requirements of the visitors. How courteous and
simple they are!
Listen! Do you hear the sweet music that comes
from a visitors Kutia? Shall we go and enjoy the heavenly
hymns? Who sings so charmingly?
Swamijis songs and lectures have been documented
and the world is fortunate to enjoy his thirteen
gramophone records, which are very inspiring.
After whiling away the time pleasantly for two or
three hours in the afternoon like this, the visitors again
wait at the League Hall. At five Swamiji comes again into
the Hall and looks at the letters and the typed matters, of
course, with his intermittent mixture-songs!
It is now six. Some of the Ashramites take the
visitors to the Bhajan Hall for the evening Prayer-class.
We see a tall figure with a long staff in the right hand and
a hand bag in the left, talking to a stranger on the
road-side, very near the steps of the hill. It is none else
but Swamiji. He is conversing with a distressed man who
has been waiting to have his Darshan.
Swamiji! I am a poor Sadhu...I am in need of a
Kambal. The cold wind is freezing me..says he to
Swamiji.
Acha Maharaj!.........Kindly sing a Kirtan....you
have a very good voice...... so saying Sivanandaji turns
back and asks his disciple who stands nearby, to get ten
rupees from the Office.
The Sadhu sings or chants the divine names of Ram
Ram Ram, or Radhe Shyam for a few minutes. Soon the
disciple returns with a ten rupee note, and Swamiji
quietly gives it to the Sadhu, with his compliments
Kirtan bahut acha hae!

ANANDA KUTIR

41

Almost on all days, Sadhus and Yogis come to

Swamiji to get some monetary assistance to purchase
this or that. Swamiji helps them all. By mere sight he
discerns the bona fides of such persons and helps them
accordingly. And never, does he send any one
disappointed.
Swamiji then ascends the hill, and though we are
young and are supposed to be stronger than he, we are
hardly able to keep pace with him. He reaches the
Bhajan Hall five minutes in advance of us.
All the inmates of the Ashram and the visitors are
assembled in the Hall. Pooja, Purusha Sooktam,
Ashtothara-Sata-Namaarchana and Arathi, follow one
after the other; and the prayer-class begins. Nama
Sankirtans, reading of the Bhagavatam, a portion from
Shrutis, and a chapter from a high philosophical treatise
take an hour and a half. Then one of Swamijis disciples
gives a short speech on his experiences or gives a
summary of worthy Vedantic literature. After this,
Swamiji sings one or two Kirtans and reads his spiritual
lesson for the day. Very often he gets inspired and
delivers a lecture. Whenever any scholarly visitors attend
the prayer-class, they are also asked to address the
Ashramites.
It is generally in the proximity of nine oclock at
night that the prayer is over. The inmates one by one
walk back to their Kutias. Swamiji addresses the
new-comers and the visitors and asks Do you feel at
home here? Did you get hot water and milk this
afternoon? He turns to his secretary disciple and
instructs him to provide certain other amenities that the
new-comers seem to need. He accompanies them to their
Kutias and satisfying himself that they are provided with
lanterns, blankets and water-buckets, he slowly walks
back to Ananda Kutir.

WRITINGS (I)
Saint Sivananda is a prolific writer. His subject
matter ranges from Bazaar Drugs to Brahma Vidya, from
Asanas and Pranayama to Upanishads and Raja Yoga.
Much of his fame, too, came of his inimitable
conversation. When we see his pretty round face, with
his singularly charming personality, we see his sheer
intelligence transmuting anger into fun and fire into
light. In him there is artless simplicity and divine flame.
He is composed of more ethereal and more vigorously
throbbing atoms than other men.
A
machine
to
transcribe
his
thoughts
instantaneously in writing and get them prepared in the
form of books; another apparatus to pack those books
properly; and yet another one to carry those books to be
delivered to worthy aspirants on the spiritual path; a
fourth machine that can float, run and fly without petrol,
to sit and travel throughout the universe so as to
disseminate spiritual knowledge among the tired
commercial massesthese seem to be the ultimate
necessities to Swamiji!
He is too impatient to wait even for a moment.
Unlike many who are said to be great Yogis, he wants to
have a wind-horse to proceed wherever there is
illiteracy, ignorance, confusion, trouble and distress.
Though he possesses extraordinary Yogic powers, he
moves like a child with everyone.
Now that there are hundreds of Divine Life Society
branches, and tens of scholarly disciples going about on
missionary works, Swamiji has settled down at Ananda
Kutir itself as the fountain-head of spiritual inspiration.
(42)

WRITINGS (I)

43

He wishes for a day of forty hours! So much of work he

has to do daily.
Swamiji took to Sannyasa Ashrama in the year 1924
and, side by side with his meditations and medical
activities; he used to write articles to various journals.
Now let us have an idea of his writings.
A certain pilgrim, who visited Swamiji in the year
1926, gave him five rupees saying, Maharaj! I am
anxious to supply you milk at least for a month. Kindly
utilize this small amount towards that. That was the
time
when
Swamiji
had
just
attained
Brahmajnana-saturation. He wanted to cry out to the
world all the beauteous glories of the Immortal Self. But
how could he? The said five rupees came in search of
him, as if a friend-in-need. With that money he printed a
small leaflet and distributed the copies freely to many.
That was the first printed matter of Swamiji. Since
then he has been writing and most of them have been
printed either in the form of books, or booklets or
pamphlets. Up till now, December 1943, his printed
volumes run to 38,750 pages. And yet, he says he has to
write a lot!
Without money for postage, without money to
secure writing paper, he suffered very much in the early
stages. Whenever he got small change for postage, he
used to send articles to journals. People in the
journalistic field know how manuscripts from unknown
persons, living in remote places, are being viewed.
Swamiji had not, then, become popular. Was he not just
blossoming?
There was fire and force in Swamijis writings. At the
very sight of the manuscripts, the divine laugh of
Swamiji was audible to everyone. And his articles were
offered a prominent column. Later on, a number of
monthlies and weeklies became his clientele. Even now
he is contributing to those journals.

44

SAINT SIVANANDA

In public libraries we find voluminous works on all

religions in all languages. Earnest students get confused
after a study of such big books. They enthusiastically
read volume after volume and at the end, if they close
their eyes and reflect, they realise that the knowledge
derived is not conducive to spiritual elevation. They
become an additional burden to a burdened mind. They
do not find anything practicably written in most of such
books.
Swamiji took great trouble to write a series of books
on the different aspects of Yoga Philosophy, with easy
commentaries suitable to the changing times. We find
highly useful practical lessons in his books and
pamphlets. In every sentence there is something for us to
learn and practice. Throughout his writings, we find
nothing very difficult to understand or practice. He never
indulges in highly intellectual verbiage to create
bewilderment among the ordinary people, thereby
showing his great ability and command over the subject.
He is very simple and easy to follow.
In all his works, we find a combination of the
different paths of Philosophy. He deals with the most
important aspects of every school of thought, to make his
books useful to all classes of people. Mere perusal of a
leaflet or casual reading of a paragraph in any of his
books will tempt one to follow it up and read his other
works! There is a peculiar charm and power in his
writings.
When a Bhakta reads a copy of Swamijis lessons on
Bhakti Yoga, he understands not only Bhakti Yoga, but
is taught to understand a little bit of Yoga, Vedanta and
Karma Philosophies also. He mixes allied subjects with
the main subject very ably, and presents them in such a
way as to make the subjects interdependent. His
instructions are so universal that even Yogis, Vedantins
and all types of people, even men of other religions like
the Muslims and the Christians come in direct touch
with him for further guidance. While reading a particular

WRITINGS (I)

45

portion of a book, one is apt to feel, Swamiji has

understood me and has given the right lesson that would
suit me. He has perhaps written this book for me.
The moment some new ideas come to him, which he
feels as highly helpful to the masses, he wants them to
reach the aspirants without any delay. He writes, very
often, the same matter in all the letters, leaflets,
pamphlets, books, newspapers and magazines and gets
his ideas propagated widely. To make his lessons
attractive and charming and to cater to the tastes,
temperaments and qualifications of the public, he gives
the same ideas in the form of simple stories for the sake
of ordinary people, in the form of Kirtans for the Bhaktas,
in the form of illustrations and essays to the students,
and in high-class philosophical treatises and poems for
the intellectual. He wants to bring Peace, Joy and Bliss to
one and all as immediately as possible.
The speeches and writings of Swamiji have been so
inspiring that a wave of spiritual awakening has swept
over India and its benevolent effects have been felt even
in some centers of Europe and Africa. In his writings
there are no dry theories or intellectual gymnastics; His
masterly and forceful expression in simple yet poetic
words is unparalleled in the philosophic sphere. His
cosmopolitan and modern outlook, recognition of truth
and wisdom in all religious faiths, and inner knowledge
of philosophy, render his exposition of different subjects
highly convincing and appealing to modern educated
men of the East and the West. His writings are inspiring
and the style is very simple yet grand, so that they never
bore the reader in spite of the abstruse nature of the
subjects, and form exceedingly interesting reading
constantly arousing the thirst for more knowledge of a
similar kind.

WRITINGS (II)
Swamijis vast contribution to spiritual literature is
the outcome of his assimilation and rumination of
personal experiences. Even the good ideas heard from
others are first thought over and practised for a long time
and then only served to the aspirants so as to aid their
quick progress. This far-advanced nature of benevolence
in serving the world urges him to cling to his pen. The
most subtle points of Vedanta Philosophy, he explains in
a few simple words that can be understood by all.
The charming lucidity of language is indicative of the
simplicity of his heart. There is something penetrating
and extraordinary in it. Even those who have a wide
grasp of the scriptures take great delight in going
through Swamijis books again and again.
Practice of Vedanta: This book contains many
valuable practical instructions. It contains the gist of
Vedanta. The abstruse philosophical ideas of Vedanta
are given in a sugarcoated, compressed tablet form to the
readers for easy assimilation.
Practical Lessons in Yoga: Swamiji seems to have
prepared this book more for Europe and America than
for the East. The twelve lessons that are offered contain
lucid and clear descriptions of the different Yoga
Philosophies.
Sure Ways for Success in Life and God-realisation:
Swamiji fully believes in the theory of Maya, like Sri
Sankara, and yet does not ignore the subject of success
in life on the material plane. Lucidity, spiritual force, and
impressive practical lessons are the striking features of
this volume. The wisdom of our ancient Rishis who
scaled the heights of knowledge unknown to and
(46)

WRITINGS (II)

47

undreamt of by the greatest of the Western scientists has

been presented through this book.
MindIts Mysteries and Control: This treatise, in two
volumes, contains practical hints and methods of
controlling the mind. The equivalents, in English, of
Sanskrit terms have been given side by side.
Technicalities have been kept off as far as possible.
Various systems of Yoga that tend to control the mind
have been brought out in a simple style. He who has
control over his mind will reach the goal safely, as the
senses which draw this chariot-body will behave like the
horses of an expert coach-man.
Practice of Yoga: To spiritual aspirants, this book is
really a gift from the land of Gods. It is my sincere
conviction that this book will be of immense help to all
types of men. Students of Karma Yoga and Hatha Yoga
will find a wealth of information and knowledge. The two
volumes, covering over eight hundred pages, provide a
happy reading.
Vedanta in Daily Life: Matter, mind, intellect, senses,
names and forms are all apparent manifestations of that
Supreme Being called in Sanskrit, Brahman. These may
appear as real, but in truth they have only relative
reality. The essential purpose of Vedanta is to show the
absolute oneness that exists between the individual soul
and the Supreme Soul on the highest plane of
spirituality. This oneness of life or unity of consciousness
is hidden from our vision by the darkness of ignorance,
or Avidya. By extricating ourselves from its tenacious
clutches, we can regain our lost consciousness and
realise
the
Para-Brahman.
The
method
of
accomplishment of this task is given in this book.
Practice of Karma Yoga: This book Swamiji has
carefully designed for the benefit of those who are
intricately placed in life and who cannot tread the path of
renunciation. In the Gita, Lord Krishna says to Arjuna
that the path of work (Karma Yoga) is better than the
path of renunciation (Jnana Yoga). The same Vasudeva,

48

SAINT SIVANANDA

in another place in the Gita, says that Knowledge alone is

the means to final liberation. No less a scholar than the
late Bal Gangadhara Tilak, author of the Gita Rahasya,
says that the gist of the Gita is action only. It is not for me
to pronounce any verdict on the controversial subject but
this much I can say: that the two paths are
complementary and that the one is preparatory to the
other. Unless one cleanses the Augean stables of ones
mind and expurgates all impurities through selfless and
disinterested service while living amid the toil and moil of
the world, one will not find spiritual elevation. Such an
elaborate and masterly treatise on Karma Yoga, no other
author has written.
Philosophy and Meditation on Om: This gives the
secret meaning of Om, which is the name of Brahman. It
gives an analysis of the three states of waking, dream
and deep sleep. Through a study and clear grasp of these
states, through proper understanding of Om and its
right significance, one can find out the way to approach
and realise Brahman.
Ten Upanishads: Upanishad means that which
destroys Avidya or ignorance, and takes the Jiva to sit
near Brahman, i.e., to get established in ones own
Swaroopa (Brahma-Sthiti, Brahma-Nishta). To attain
this goal, the guidance given in this book will be of
immense help. Swamiji has accomplished the most
original and daring service by publishing this book.
Undoubtedly this is one of the standard literatures of the
world.
Philosophy and Yoga (in Poems): Man finds no time to
go through big philosophical works. He finds it difficult to
go through pamphlets even. Swamiji thought it would be
useful to present before the public a book on Philosophy
and Yoga as concisely as possible. This book contains the
quintessence of all Swamijis writings, in the fine prose
poems.
Yoga in Daily Life: This is a book with a message of
hope, of success in life, of peace, of bliss and of the secret

WRITINGS (II)

49

of life itself. Herein will be found the way to Knowledge

and Peace. This is a very valuable companion to
householders who are apt to fall into moods of
pessimism.
Srimad Bhagvat Gita: (Text, meaning and
commentary). In the world literature, there is no book so
elevating and so inspiring as the Gita. It expounds very
lucidly the cardinal principles or the fundamentals of the
Hindu Dharma. It is the source of all wisdom. It is our
great guide. It is our supreme teacher and an
inexhaustible treasure. It is the fountain of Bliss and
Knowledge. And it is full of divine splendour and
grandeur. Sri Sankara, Sri Ramanuja and Sri Madhva
have given their masterly commentaries on the Gita. The
late Bal Gangadhara Tilak has left us the brilliant Gita
Rahasya. A few other eminent scholarly annotations are
also available. Yet, Sivanandajis edition has its own
charm and simplicity of expression.
Practice of Bhakti Yoga: All the four hundred pages of
this book ring with a sublime note, the dire need of the
cosmic love. Says the author: A life without love, faith
and devotion is a dreary waste. It is real death. Love is
the greatest power on earth. Love is Divine. It is
irresistible. It is Love that can really conquer the enemy.
Its power is infinite. Its depth is unfathomable. Its nature
is ineffable. Its glory is indescribable. The essence of
religion is Love.Swamiji exhorts all his readers to
develop love, which, if possessed even to the magnitude
of a ray, can cure all ills and bestow real joy and
happiness. The book contains many practical hints and
instructions on Bhakti Sadhana. The text, with
translation and commentary on Narada Bhakti Sutras, is
a valuable addition to this book.
Easy Steps to Yoga: In this short treatise, Swamiji
gives us useful lessons on the practice of Yoga. According
to the temperament and capacity of the Sadhaka,
different paths of Yoga are arranged. Special instructions
given in the seventh chapter will be of great help to one

50

SAINT SIVANANDA

and all. There is a chapter containing simple lessons on

the practice of Asanas, with photos.
Lord KrishnaHis Lilas and Teachings: It is very
difficult for busy people to go through the whole book of
Bhagavata. Therefore, this condensed English version in
a palatable and tasteful form is highly helpful.
Principal Upanishads: It is said that Schopenhauer,
the renowned philosopher of the West, always carried
with him a book of the Upanishads, and was in the habit,
before going to bed, of performing his devotions from its
pages. He said: In the whole world there is no study so
beneficial and so elevating as that of Upanishads. It has
been the solace of my life; it will be the solace of my
death.
The Upanishads give a vivid description of the
nature of the Supreme Soul in a variety of ways and
expound suitable methods to attain that status. They are
metaphysical treatises which are replete with sublime
conceptions of Vedanta and with intuitions of Universal
Truth.
In the preparation of this book Swamiji has very
closely followed the commentary of Sri Sankara and has
explained his views in regard to the usage of certain
technical terms which are often misunderstood. The
views of other commentators also have been included
here and there.
Stories from Yoga Vasishta: Yoga Vasishta deals with
the subject of effecting union of the individual soul with
the Supreme Soul amidst all the trials of life. It
prescribes various directions for the union of Jivatma
and Paramatma. Those whose minds are turned from
this world, who have become indifferent towards the
objects of this world, and who are thirsting for liberation,
will be really benefited by a study of this precious book.
They will find in this a vast mine of knowledge and
practical spiritual instructions for their daily living. Yoga
Vasishta first enunciates a doctrine in its various aspects

WRITINGS (II)

51

and then makes it very lucid through interesting stories.

This book is undoubtedly worthy of constant study.
Inspiring Messages: The twenty-two inspiring
messages contain frank and bold pieces of advice of
Swamiji to worldly men. This book is one of the most
original productions of Swamiji. If an institution is
started to train up students for public service and social
reforms, this book may unhesitatingly be prescribed for
detailed study.
Philosophical Stories: There are forty-four short
interesting stories in this small book. Swamijis talent in
writing stories is highly wonderful. Will the angels
possess the heads of educational institutions and
persuade them to prescribe this book for study by boys
and girls?
Brahmacharya Drama: Let alone the literary
standard of the drama. It is meant more for propagating
his Philosophy than as a piece of literature. Many
suitable inspiring philosophical songs, in soul stirring
homely tunes, beautify the production. The drama
contains the essence of Yoga, Bhakti and Vedanta.
Gems of Prayers: Sivanandaji is a saint who has a
universal outlook. This book contains not only gems of
prayers but the lofty philosophy of Swamiji, too. Hindus,
Christians, Parsees, Jains, Mohammedans and all
others find their inspiring prayers in this book. This
compilation is of international worth.
Family Doctor: Endeavour to qualify yourself as
your own doctor. Keep a small medicine chest. Serve
your neighbours also. Serve with Atma Bhava or
Narayana Bhava. Here is a great field for service. This is
the highest Yoga. Friends, never lose this opportunity.
Purify your heart through service of the sick and prepare
yourself for the descent of the Divine Light. There is
intense joy in serving the poor with free medicines. There
is immense happiness in relieving human sufferings.
With this exhortation Swamiji (who was once the famous

52

SAINT SIVANANDA

Dr. Kuppuswami of Singapore) has presented this

masterly treatise to the men at large.
Japa Yoga: This is one of the rarest philosophical
works, throwing much light on the important subject,
Mantra Yoga, and the method of obtaining perfection
through Japa. The definition of Japa, the different kinds
of Mantras, practical instructions to proceed with the
Sadhana, and short life sketches of some of the saints
who have realized God through Japa, are to be found in
this book.
Some orthodox people used to object to Swamijis
spreading these Mantras to all. But how could they know
the largeness of Swamijis vision who sees no difference
between man and man?
Students Success in Life: Future destiny of the world
rests with the students. If they are trained well in the
path of righteousness, the world will be filled with ideal
citizens, scholars, philosophers, yogis, and sages. There
will, then only, be peace and prosperity. The correct way
of thinking and understanding one another can come
only then. Youngsters cannot dream of a worthier
companion than this book.
Hatha Yoga: There are now-a-days many systems of
physical exercises. Among all the systems, yogic
exercises or Yoga Asanas stand unrivalled in their
results. Yoga Asana is the most perfect system of joining
up and energising the brain, the muscles, the nerves and
all the different organs and tissues of the body. All
chronic diseases are rooted out. In this book Swamiji has
given a description of important exercises that are
suitable for both men and women. The technique and the
benefits derived are given for each exercise in detail.
How to Get Vairagya: True, the subject of Vairagya
has been dealt with in the sacred books of India by
ancient sages like Vasishta, Vyasa, Yajnavalkya,
Bhartrihari, and nowhere will the reader get a clear,
concise and compact knowledge of the subject, suited to

WRITINGS (II)

53

modern tastes and requirements. While emphasis was

laid on ruthless renunciation, mental as well as physical,
by the ancients as a precondition to self-realisation, it is
quite refreshing and heartening to hear from Sivanandaji
that Vairagya is purely an internal state and a man
may remain in the busy world amidst various luxuries,
women and wealth and yet he may possess perfect
Vairagya; while a Sadhu who lives in a cave in the far-off
regions of the Himalayas may not be able to achieve real
Vairagya. Some inspiring stories, and essays on body,
women, world and Vairagyasatakam, are given in this
book. The teachings of Lord Buddha, and Sri Sankara,
which are conducive to the path of Vairagya, have also
been included in the book.
Sthree Dharma: Swamiji herein gives valuable
lessons for women to attain success in spiritual life.
Instructions on Ideal Womanhood, Education of Ladies,
Marriage, Chastity and so on, are very helpful to us.
Dialogues between Draupadi and Satyabhama, and the
life sketches of Savitri, Nalayani and such ideal ladies are
highly inspiringHousehold Remedies, Care of
Pregnancy, Care of Babies, Training of children, all these
chapters are studded with useful advices. Philosophical
and devotional instructions given in this book enable us
all to lead a happy, successful life.
The Science of Pranayama, Yoga Asanas, Lives of
Saints, Ananda Lahari, Bhakti and Sankirtan, and Stories
from Mahabharata are amongst the valuable volumes
Swamiji has so far offered to the world.

MISSION
We are made for friendship, not for hate;
My hand to you, and with it all my heart,
My brother!
Tagore
In those days the condition of Sadhus was pitiable.
They all lived in a disorderly manner. Swamiji desired to
reorganise the whole Order and to make it useful for the
world in a variety of ways. This, he felt, was possible only
by training a band of students on proper lines. The desire
to serve the world forced him to accept disciples.
During one of his spiritual campaigns in the Punjab,
Swamiji was prevailed upon by a couple of his friends
and some devotees to start an institution to cater to the
spiritual needs of his disciples, and make an organised
effort through it to spiritualise the whole country. Thus
was started the Divine Life Trust Society in the year
1936. The work which the Trust Society did in the first
few months attracted devotees of Swamiji from far and
near, and according to their desire, started the Divine
Life Society so that those who desired to come in closer
touch with him might gather together under one banner.
The branches of the Society in the course came to be
opened in almost all important places in India and also in
foreign countries like Europe, Africa, Burma and others.
Swamiji took, as he does now, great trouble in
moulding and guiding the disciples in the mysterious
science. As there was no arrangement for board and
lodging for many students, he had to keep them for some
time and then send them to some other place to continue
their Sadhana, thereby giving a chance for the
newcomers.
(54)

MISSION

55

If people pleaded for staying on with him he

sanctioned their request. After some time he used to
send them away to other institutions to work
whole-heartedly for the benefit of the public. This clearly
shows detachment from any particular society. His one
object is to serve the world and help all aspirants.
Very shortly, Sivanandajis Divine Life Society
blossomed into an up-to-date Ashram. Funds and
followers came in search of Swamiji. Kutias and
hermitages were built for the sake of aspirants. He
started the Divine Life, a monthly devoted to the spiritual
awakening of the public, and began to issue, free
pamphlets.
There is a general opinion among the people that
Mahatmas do not accept easily any one as disciple. With
great hesitation, some write to Swamiji: Kindly accept
me as your disciple. When they receive a reply, I have
accepted you as my beloved disciple, they are
wonder-struck. They take great joy in following Swamijis
easy instructions. When the aspirants show slackness in
their meditation, they unexpectedly receive a letter from
Swamiji. How is your Sadhana? The difficult period is
over. The remaining portion is very easy. Be steady, Maya
is powerful. Mind and senses will dupe you. Be ever
vigilant and diligent. Thus Swamiji creates a desire in
those who have no taste at all for the spiritual path and
glides them to the last by taking care of their progress
and keeping a close watch.
Swamiji has given sufficient spiritual lessons
through his various books for quick progress in the
spiritual path. These lessons will guide one at every step.
At the very sight, Swamiji is able to find out whether
the students are fit for the spiritual path; and the sincere
aspirants do get initiation in a moment. Some orthodox
Sannyasins suggest that Swamiji should not give
initiation to any applicant before testing him as to his
fitness. He might be a rogue; he might be a thief. To such
people Swamiji calmly replies. I am a Guru for the

56

SAINT SIVANANDA

thieves and the rogues. I want to mould them in the

proper way and to change their nature entirely. I want to
guide them in the spiritual path so that they may be
useful to the world. Even if they happen to go back to the
world due to poor spiritual Samskaras, the initiation
itself will make them virtuous. If they do not succeed in
Sadhana, the initiation will confer on them a good birth.
How large a heart!
As per the traditional rule, the disciples, out of
extreme devotion to Swamiji, often approach him to pay
their respects. But Swamiji never allows anyone to touch
his feet or shampoo his legs or even to offer Sashtanga
Namaskars. When the disciples and admirers approach
him, he is ready there with flowers and fruits to worship
them. He immediately runs to arrange for their
comfortable stay, food, etc. He takes great delight in
serving them personally.
He is not pleased when people address him as World
Teacher, Jagat Guru, Sadguru, etc. He is highly joyful
when he signs his letters as Thy humble servant. When
people praise him, he says, Bahut acha, and
immediately adds, Praise and censure are jugglery of
Maya. He is unmoved by criticism or praise.
He teaches his disciples and admirers not so much
by regular classes, books or personal talks, as by his own
daily actions. In the case of dull aspirants, he has his
usual way of humour, wit, Kirtans or stories. Every move
of his limbs, every twinkling of his eyes, and every word
he speaks, reveal always something new to us.
People, who come in contact with him through a few
minutes talk, or a letter of a few lines, feel a new
happiness, joy and power in them. They are drawn
towards him through a mysterious force. Everyone feels
that Swamiji loves him and him alone. Swamiji creates
such a feeling! Like the moon, he is looking at everybody
who looks at him, and sheds his light.

MISSION

57

The relationship between Swamiji and his disciples

is indescribable. The inmates of Ananda Kutir are all well
trained in Nishkama Karma Yoga. If they leave the
Ashram, they can get definitely more comforts,
conveniences, respect, honour, nice board and lodging
arrangements. In the Ashram, board and lodging
amenities are rather insufficient. On certain occasions
when the inmates are invited for feasts in other Ashrams,
they do not like to attend them. They do not feel at home
anywhere else. The very company of Swamiji is a lively
feast for them all. Through a mysterious power, he draws
all towards him and confers Joy, Bliss and Love on them.
Sages of olden days hesitated even to clear some of
the doubts of the aspirants. But Swamiji volunteers to
give spiritual lessons and prescribes a routine for all,
according to their tastes and temperaments. He never
likes to wait and desires to do everything immediately.
Even in running trains, when he travelled, he used to
demonstrate Yoga Asanas and Pranayams to the
passengers and teach them the methods of
concentration, meditation, Japa, etc. He cares not to
revise his articles, matter for books, or letters. The
moment they come from his hands, they are dispatched.
With a lot of mistakes all letters and articles are sent out.
Sometimes letters are not signed in proper places. When
such mistakes are pointed out, he says: I do not pay
much attention to the beauty of the language, or the
rules of grammar. Ideas are important. To revise, correct,
and improve the language is the job of scholars, Pundits
and grammarians.
Whenever a visitor comes to Rishikesh for simple
sight-seeing, he visits Ananda Kutir also to have
Darshan of Swamiji. Swamiji asks all such casual
visitors too to stay at Ananda Kutir for a few days to learn
his Kirtans, to study some books and to meditate on God.
When they leave Rishikesh, he asks them to continue the
meditation and to send a report at the end of every month
regarding their spiritual activities. In a short period, he

58

SAINT SIVANANDA

wants the students to learn to concentrate, to meditate

in a solitary cave for a long time, to control the senses
and mind perfectly, to serve the world in some way or
other, and to become masters in singing Kirtans, in
demonstrating yogic exercises and in delivering lectures.
He wants perfection in all items. After attaining these, he
expects his disciples to do selfless service for the world.
He has beautifully chalked out his daily routine. He
sticks to it tenaciously. No work can upset his routine.
Not a day passes without his usual prayers, meditation,
Asanas, Pranayams, brisk evening walk, physical
exercises, classes, Kirtans, attending to the sick,
correspondence, study, and writing articles for books or
journals. All items are carried out at the appointed time.
He asks even his advanced disciples: Do not give up
your Sadhana, thinking that you are a Jitendriya Yogi.
Even if you become a Jivanmukta, you should continue
your Sadhana. You must be very careful when you mix
with worldly-minded persons. Downfalls will come at any
moment. Be cautious. Scrutinize your motives always.
Generally when aspirants get initiated, they feel that
they are Mahatmas, far superior in position to
Grahasthis and that they should be adored and
worshipped. Such curious ideas enter the mind of all
Sadhus. Swamiji teaches them to develop true humility.
He asks everyone to recognise the greatness in others
and to see the Lord in all beings.
He found that those who live long in seclusion
become Tamasic (dull) and lose their capacities. They
take Tandra state for Samadhi and begin to build castles
in the air. They have a natural hatred for the world and
say that the world is Mithya. Swamiji asks them to
purify themselves through service of humanity before
taking to complete seclusion. He teaches them to see the
world as the manifestation of the Lord.
For men of the world, too, he suggests, methods for
material progress and prosperity. He is well versed in all
branches of science. He never claims any Siddhis, but all

MISSION

59

aspirants are able to see clearly extraordinary things

happening. They experience a sort of rapidity in their
spiritual progress.
Such aspirants who have no control over the senses
and who lack in virtuous qualities are advised to live in
Satsanga. When they become free from evil thoughts by
such contact, Swamiji sends them to seclusion for deep
meditation. If they happen to develop Tamasic nature, he
prescribes selfless service in some form or other. If they
make good progress in meditation, he asks them not to
come out of seclusion and gives instances of Lord
Buddha and Jesus Christ to enthuse them in the
attainment of higher knowledge. For people who have
many ties in the world and poor spiritual Samskaras, he
prescribes a course of easy Sadhana and asks them to
remain in the world to free themselves from all
responsibilities by saying, The world is the best
teacher. For sincere aspirants, who have good spiritual
Samskaras, though they may have some ties, Swamiji
says: Take to the path of renunciation. Throw away your
worldly burdens.
To the Mahatmas who have had wonderful spiritual
powers in seclusion, Swamiji sends the request: O
Sages! Come out to share your knowledge and experience
with the people who are thirsting for the spiritual
knowledge!
Swamiji has trained himself to lead a very simple life
and expects strict control of mind in all the aspirants. He
says Without perfect control over the senses, you can do
nothing in the spiritual line. To have such control of the
senses, he prescribes various kinds of diet in Ananda
Kutir. Control of tongue means control of all senses. So
we find saltless food, sugarless milk or tea for the
students on many days. To give strength to the mind and
to keep up the system perfect, he shows a remedy: If
milk and ghee are not available, take a spoon of dal more.
Thus nicely adjust the diet. Dont murmur when there is
more, or less, of sugar, salt or chillies, on a particular

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SAINT SIVANANDA

day." This is the method how the students are trained in

Ananda Kutir.
When visitors come for meditation, during Sadhana
Weeks, Swamiji runs to arrange for delicious dishes. He
understands their difficulties, for they are not trained in
such a way, and provides them good fruits, milk and
butter.
He has adopted one uniform policy throughout, and
that is, to love all, to share with all, to give his all, without
caring for his own comforts or conveniences, without
expecting anything in return, and without consideration
of the financial status of the Ashram. Through divine
grace, at the most appropriate time, he gets all that he
wants. His requirements are supplied and his wishes
fulfilled precisely at the proper time.
He says: I live to serve you all. I live to help you all to
destroy ignorance. I live to make you all happy.
Whenever people approach him for help, he never
hesitates to give them what he can. He does not care
whether such men deserve his help or not.
He is very miserly to himself. He is fond of using the
torn clothes after stitching them in many places. He
takes great delight in sleeping on a rough plank. He
enjoys nicely the stale rotties. Though his admirers often
send him money for his personal comforts, he feels
happy when he spends the entire amounts in serving the
Sadhus, in nursing the sick, and in providing amenities
to his disciples.
A great nationalist who visited Ananda Kutir asked
Swamiji: Why do you wear foreign clothes?Swamiji
replied: For a Sadhu, a gunny bag, silk or cotton,
whether Indian or foreign, is no concern. I use with great
joy the things given by sincere people. And he
continued, Wearing Khaddar alone is not the sign of
true patriotism. Spin the thread of Viveka, weave the
cloth of Santi, wear the Khaddar of Brahma-Jnana and
become a true patriot!

MISSION

61

All worries, anxieties, troubles and difficulties of

aspirants are removed in a mysterious manner by
Swamiji. He uses various methods. His usual smile, wit
and humour are quite sufficient to elevate the people who
are before him. For those who are far away, he has his
prayer, Bhasma, or a short letter or a Japa Mala with-his
blessings.
There are thousands of persons who correspond
with him. He clearly remembers the full addresses of
most of them. He can clearly recognise, identify and
recollect all particulars of a man whom he has seen
several years back, and that too for a few minutes.
If you have a capacity for delivering lectures, you are
prompted to proceed to America for collecting money
through lectures. If you have a band of disciples, you
wish to move from place to place as a Mandaleshwar. If
you are inclined towards Sadhana, you naturally hate
the world and take shelter in a cave in the Himalayas. If
you are trained to live with a Kowpeena, you are puzzled
when you look at a piece of silk. If you have good
command over your pen, you begin to write several
volumes of your own. If you have a desire to serve all, you
undoubtedly neglect the practical side of Sadhana and
open a big shop in a city in the name of service to
humanity.
These are the natural ways how people are driven in
particular directions in which they have capacity or
ambition. It is quite easy to live in Gangotri and be ever
absorbed in deep meditation, to do Tratak in the
scorching sun and to stand on Shirsasana for days
together. Even in ancient days, the saints worked in one
direction only for which they were best suited, and
neglected other sides.
A European admirer of Swamiji wonders how it is
humanly possible for one man to have capacity and to
work in all directions, to live in a cave and to penetrate
into the hearts of people who are far away. But is
Swamiji a human being? Is he not something else?

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SAINT SIVANANDA

Is he not working wonders and miracles without the

title of Siddha Purusha? Is he not firm in his
determination that the world is Mithya?
Swamijis greatness lies not in these; it lies in the
spirit of selfless service to humanity. He serves all, seeing
invisible Presence everywhere.
He is the Prophet of Karma Yoga!

STUDY OF SIVAS PALM

STUDY OF SIVAS PALM

Life lies in the lines of your palms. Trifles tell us of
Truth. You see the infinite in the atom. There is nothing
trivial in this world. Everything has a languageeither of
the senses or of the soul.
A believer of chiromancy and a devotee of Siva, I
was interested in looking into his hands. The study of the
palm of so rare a saint helps the students of palmistry by
tracing the lines and formations of the hand that exhibit
each in its own way exceptional characteristics. Though
I eagerly sought for it, I hesitated to make a request.
However, one fine morning the privilege was offered to
me. It was quite as unexpected as it was welcome.
I am in a way acquainted with the life and
philosophy of the sage. My reading of the hand,
particularly with reference to the past, cannot be
valuable since its owner is too well known. But the past,
present, and the future lie pledged in the lines of the
palm and without a reference to these, my reading will be
incomplete.
Ancestry: Man is not only the life of two lives but a
myriad of lives. He represents his race. Siva was sprung
from pious progenitors. Some of them were of parochial
popularity, others were provincial idols of purity and
adoration, and Sivas love and labours have attracted
universal reverence and recognition. There are no
coincidences or accidents in life, provided one can pierce
through the veil of ignorance and perceive the cosmic
plan. The law works; whatever happens along has been
well regulated and anticipated. If you develop a second
sight many a manifest thing will reveal the secrets to you
which otherwise remain mysterious or matters
(65)

66

SAINT SIVANANDA

unnoticed by man in his march towards Mammon

worship. So be it.
Early Life and Education: It is but natural that Siva
has inherited a philosophic hand. There is no legacy
greater than light. It does seldom go with lucre. If it does,
the twain must part. Prince Siddharta left the patrimony
of empire and his purple robes in search of Truth. Sivas
inheritance and inherent thirst for the highest often
immersed him in the ecstasies of infinite nature.
Let us have a peep at Pattamadai, the cradle of Sivas
childhood and the parent-place of his philosophy.
Beauty lies in a blade of grass. And when tipped with a
diamond drop of dew, it is the delight and darling of the
dawn. You find in it the art and architect of the whole.
What then about that palm-fringed Pattamadai?
The sylvan surroundings of this place are wound
round by a silver belt of sparkling stream a generous
gift of the sacred river Tamraparni. This island village is
full of life and legends. All Indian villages are. After a brief
and brilliant education, both academic and professional,
Siva entered life. Let us not tarry long; off to the lines of
his hand. Hark what they speak!
Sivas person and personality is unique. A man of
dignified dimensions, he draws you at a glance. His
palm, as I see it, is a paradise for a palmist. Look at that
row of fingers. These off-shoots of the hand are a
congenial combination of squares and cones. They spell
religion and mysticism. They are characteristic of Sivas
patience, austerity and love of self-sacrifice.
The angular formation of the hand, the developed
joints and long nails indicate distinction and power. The
proper pursuit of men of similar possession is the study
of mankind. They will discard all material wealth and
transcend other types of persons and play on the harp of
life and tune themselves to the symphony of the soul. The
majesty of the mountains, the music of the spheres, the
mimicry of birds, the vapourish and delightful draperies

STUDY OF SIVAS PALM

67

of the sky, the procession of the sun and the moon and
the sheen of the silver streams keep them in harmony
with nature. The clang of silver and gold has no appeal
for them. Siva is a thinker. He loves silence and solitude
into which he dives with delirious delight. He comes up
from the divine depths with glittering pearls of Truth.
Thoughts provoke thoughts.
Off to the hand now. Let us climb the Mounts in his
palm and have a look at the valleys of the lines that lie
below. They seem all quite fertile. All Mounts are well
moulded and merged in a happy blend. Let us mount one
by one.
Venus: It is the vein-centre of the palm. This Mount
is small compared with others. But it is well developed. It
is benevolent and shows less sex impulse. It slopes
gently to the lines to join them. This speaks of universal
love and affection and an aesthetic sense. He renounced
his home and profession and wedded himself to the
larger world. Celibacy is a cult for him. I must be brief.
Jupiter: I see distant visions from the top of this
Mount. It shows ambition and power. He left the shores
of India and sailed for the Far East spurred by an
ambition and enthusiasm, there to seek a wider field for
service.
Saturn: This Mount leans towards the Mount of
Jupiter indicating a love of the solitude and the sublime,
earnestness in work and devotion to music of a sacred
strain. Sincerity is the soul of life Siva is nothing but
that.
The Sun: It is well defined. The distinguishing
feature of its developed size reveals his appreciation for
all things beautiful. He is getting old gracefully and he
loves Art, Poetry and Literature.
Mercury: The Mount is well set. It speaks of the love
of change, ready wit and repartee and it is favourably
inclined towards the other Mounts.

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SAINT SIVANANDA

Mars: It is found lying between the Mercury and the

Luna and it denotes self-control which nothing can Mar.
He is always tranquil and serene. He has the courage of
his convictions and he will resist all contrary influences
in correcting what is wrong.
Mount of Luna: Last but not the least Luna flies
above the hollow of the hand. It indicates his profound
imagination and spiritual idealism.
As already anticipated the Mounts lie merged
leaning towards one another. This unity is very unique in
Sivas life. He has without the least distinction identified
himself with all the religions extant in this earth. He has
strung all faiths from Shintoism to Sikhism in one chord
and you will hear him chant a real universal prayer.
Let us descend to the lines and hear what they
speak. The reading of the lines by themselves does not
constitute any forecast.
Yet in these lines great legacies lie
Of light, love and wisdom that never die.
The Line of Life: This is quite clear and well-marked
as all other principal lines are in his hands. It starts from
the Mount of Jupiter and is closely connected with the
Head line. This effectively indicates that he is guided: by
reason and intelligence in his undertakings. It also spells
extreme sensitiveness. None but the sensitive can soar to
the subtler regions of the inner world. A gross mind is
generally governed by the senses. It cannot penetrate the
crusts of the physical world.
The Line of Head: Rising from Jupiter it touches the
line of Life and steadily slopes to the Mount of Luna. This
shows the power of control over others without directly
exercising it. Further, it is a sign of talent, energy, and
purposefulness combined with reason. A nervous and
sensitive temperament can also be noticed. The sloping
of the line speaks of idealism, imaginative work and
literary attainments. A leaning towards mysticism and
things occult crown the above characteristics.

STUDY OF SIVAS PALM

69

The Line of the Heart: Let us now examine this. The

line starts with a fork on the Mount of Jupiter. An honest
nature, an unfading love and tenderness are prominent
features of the life of the individual. The qualities of
Sivas head neither science nor art can tell. He loves for
Loves sake.
The Line of Fate: It is as it ought to be in a
philosophic palm. It reveals a great struggle. Rising up to
the Mount of Jupiter it commands unusual distinction
and power. Siva stands today head and shoulders above
the common run of men. He reached this height and
keeps the light after he had gone through great
austerities and a vigorous vigilance over the vanities and
vexations of Spirit, covering a period of more than a
decade.
The Line of the Sun: Viewed with the line of fate, it
denotes success. Success is not in the possession of the
good things of the world. There is success in life far
higher than thisattainment of Peace.
The line of Health foreshadows no illness. It promises
robust health but for intervals of abdominal
irregularities which can, however, be ignored. Read with
the Life Line, it foretells lasting good health.
The Fingers: They figure well. The developed joints
define the meticulous care and mastery over details, and
insight into human nature and a distinction in literature.
If further declares an extraordinary power for analysis of
men and matters. Knowledge comes from analysis and
wisdom from knowledge. Siva shines in the knowledge
and the vision and wisdom of the Upanishads.
I foretell! I foretell that Siva will seek the stronghold
of further seclusion and silence within four years from
date. Dates do not count. Events matter. He will remain
so for a period of four years with occasional spells of
speech. This will break an otherwise continuous silence.

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SAINT SIVANANDA

In his sixty-fifth year he will come out of his seclusion as

a greater light and guide for humanity than before. His
activities will be such that the world shall have never
seen the like before. His force will have the smack and
twang of elemental things. There will be a new message
for the world. Thus a period of six years from sixty-five to
seventy-one will mark a new epoch in the spiritual
history of the world. At seventy-one he retires from active
life. At eighty he might perhaps seek a greater abode of
Bliss! But Siva can captain his soul and master fate. May
he live ever so long!
No study is exhaustive. Thus far with the heritage of
the hermits hands.
Dear reader, Hail to Ananda Kutir! Have a look at the
Whole-man-Siva in his lovely environs. Nestling on the
brink of the bank of the beautiful Ganga and lapped by
her holy waters there lies the abode of Bliss, an
unassuming tenement with a terrace for its roof. Sage
Siva works and worships here. He is a dynamic spiritual
force of the times; over fifty books of sacred lore have
already seen the light of day from his pen. Many more are
yet to come. Pamphlets, messages and inspiring letters
are but the routine of his daily life.
New centers of Divine Life spring up the country all
over to promote and propagate his philosophy and
erstwhile self-seekers do selfless service to their
fellow-men.
Siva holds converse with such of those who go to
him on a votive visit. He is a votary of Truth and it shines
on his face. The visitors-have their Vision of Life and
doubting Thomas feel the divine flame. Siva attends to
the needs of the guests in person. He serves his disciples
and aspirants in a hundred ways. No day passes in the
Ashram without the aspirants receiving, something from
his hands. The fruits placed before his feet by his

STUDY OF SIVAS PALM

71

admirers are distributed amongst all. Occasionally he

himself serves the meals to the Ashramites. Sometimes
he feeds them himself with some delicacies as mother
bird feeds its fond young ones. He is anxious about the
health of all but himself. O Love! Can you ever find a
better vehicle or sweeter nature for your marvelous
manifestation!
In his ecstatic moods Siva all abruptly starts a
Kirtan! Those that are around him are taken unawares
but they join in chorus. A few minutes are thus passed
without count of eternity! He stops! The congregation
comes to!
I happened to be one among the crew of disciples,
devotees, admirers and stray seekers present at the
Ashram on the last Guru Poornima day. From ancient
times to now it has been the custom for the disciples lay
or robed to worship at the feet of their Guru. All had
gathered with fruits and flowers to have his Darshan and
worship him. But the Master was reluctant. He likes
emulation better than adoration. Siva had however to
come out of his Kutia. It was eleven in the morning, we
crowded round him but he escaped our attention, briskly
walked to the Dharmasala a few yards up. We followed.
He left the place and tripped over to Ramashram quite
close by. There we went. Again he retraced his steps and
went to the verandah of the Dharmasala. Here we
besieged him. And helpless like a child Siva stood with,
his back to the wall. What a heavenly embarrassment,
and gleam in his glistening eyes, and a liquid look into
the vast beyond, while we worshipped him with offerings
of flowers on his head, and feet! In spite of myself I could
not resist a few tears trickling through my eyes. Siva
identifies himself with the dust. He saw the worshippers
and the worshipped as one!

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SAINT SIVANANDA

What was formerly a tree-clad hill top, steep,

inaccessible and uneven, is today a beauty spot and the
healthiest habitation of the locality. Here amidst
imposing Kutias and a Bhajan Hall the new temple raises
its lofty dome dominating, the scene. So Ananda Kutir
can now be aptly termed as Anand Nagar and the once
obscure Muni-ki-reti as Sivagiri. But what is there in a
name? Siva lives forever.

Om Santi Santi Santi.